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Ben's Week In Review: May 23

It has been a supremely busy week so tomorrow I'm going to do next to nothing until I have to do news at night.

Westerns suck...but Red Dead Redemption doesn't

And you know, the gaming public has definitely responded. They estimate that over a half-million copies have been sold in the first few days of availability and after analyzing the game, it's easy to understand why. However, I think it proves just how important immersion is in games of this nature; i.e., wide open, freedom-oriented. Thing is, RDR is absolutely GTAIV in the Old West so there's no reason whatsoever for a person to hate one and love the other...besides the very different settings. When it comes to interacting with an expansive, vibrant world, designed entirely to suck us in from the get-go, we have to like where we are. And I've found that although I don't like Western movies, I most certainly like playing a Western movie. And that's crucial. No matter how good San Andreas was, I didn't like it anywhere near as much as Vice City. It's ridiculous to say the latter was superior; just about everything was better in San Andreas in terms of "reviewable" facets. But hey, it's about...absorption.

This is what's going to keep me playing RDR for a very long time, and it further proves that games and movies are vastly different. The interaction has completely changed the idea of a Western for me.

Maybe Square-Enix SHOULD try new stuff...but then again...

So the company wants to maybe try their hand at some "new IPs" in the near future, so as to bolster their current stable of franchise titles. Back in the original PlayStation days, they were able to give us stuff like Vagrant Story, Xenogears, Threads of Fate, Parasite Eve and even Einhander. Now, I have no illusions of returning to the glory days of Squaresoft but after S-E disappointed a lot of long-time Final Fantasy fans, maybe it is a good idea to try something fresh. Maybe they can introduce the next big role-playing series. The more I hear about Final Fantasy Versus XIII, the more I'm starting to think it's not the answer (just more real-time, RPG-lite stuff, it seems), so maybe an epic new approach will be welcome. Of course, they still won't cater to their long-time fans; they seem determined not to do that, but maybe an answer to something like Dragon Age: Origins. Wouldn't that be interesting?

On the other hand, they have tried new IPs in the past and they didn't exactly impress critics or heat up the sales charts. This is why they've been sticking with so many established IPs (obviously), and maybe it's best they continue to do this. I don't know. All I know is that while FFXIII was indeed a great achievement, I will probably never play it again and FFVII will always be played.

Personal gaming update

So it's going to be all about Red Dead Redemption but I'm actually going to start over and play it the way I play most RPGs I love. I sort of had to rush along the story and miss a lot of side missions and other optional stuff to do the review, and I hate that. So I really want to dive in and start fresh, which I can't wait to do. But because I also hate to have so many incomplete games on my plate at once, I'm going to finish Nier, 3D Dot Game Heroes and Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands first. I just finished reviewing the latter and while I don't recommend it as an automatic purchase, I've always loved the Prince games and I like it, so I'll finish it. I'm close to the end of Nier and I doubt 3D Dot Game Heroes can take very long. And oh yeah, I'm wearing an RDR t-shirt now. ;)

I've also played ModNation Racers (Arnold will give you the review soon but Sony also sent me a copy), and it's about what you'd expect. I think it's great; so much customization and freedom. You can really lose yourself in that one; I promise. But it's not really my thing, so onwards. But there's little rest for the weary as Backbreaker, Alpha Protocol and Naughty Bear should be coming my way in the next few weeks.

....So today I was trying to kill the Flamelurker in Demon's Souls in my NG+, but it has become like x100 harder, so I wanted someone to summon me as a Blue Phantom, but nobody did! So I went to Latria to kick some Fool's Idol ass.

Any advice on the Flamelurker?? I'm at Soul level 105Last edited by hellish_devil on 5/22/2010 10:13:01 PM

Sawa, you have a friend that hooks you up at Best Buy AAAAAAND you live in VEGAS??? Oh man, you are livin' the dream my friend.

Oh, and to be GOTY, yes, it would have to beat out games like GODIII and Heavy Rain, but to be the best you gots to beat the best.

On a side note, it is quite amazing how many quality games there are for the PS3. I never realized it until getting a PS3 last year. Course back when I first got it, the quality titles didn't come at you at fast and furious as they do now. The Wii just can't compete with that. The Wii has only a handful of absolute must owns.Last edited by MyWorstNightmar on 5/22/2010 11:21:05 PM

That would be good though. When was the last time a nintendo game got goty? I wish I was living the dream! :P oh well no sleeping tonight. Catching up on RDR now that I finally put Galaxy down. I do want online coop though. :(

2007? Lol wow that was a while ago, at least that is definitely a good sign. Yea there are I wasn't expecting so many good games coming out this year at all. Well if they don't win at least platformers are gonna have a tough time following this title they will have to learn from this!

Ben, please expound on that statement. Silly? Does a game have to have a level of seriousness before it can win game of the year, or your play time? Not sure where you are going with this. Does that make someone who plays the game....silly? I know you don't feel that way, I just didn't really get your comment. Mario doesn't try to be Uncharted, just like Uncharted doesn't try to be God of War.

Also, for a game reviewer/critic to state that other reviewer/critics giving the game perfect scores, and then for you to say you don't care, it is still "very silly" (almost discrediting their oppinion to critique a game properly), seems a bit close minded on your part. And that coming from you, someone who fights againts closemindedness whether it be bias against the PS3, bias against video games in general, bias against the kinds of books you like to read. I dunno, it is a little surprising to me.Last edited by MyWorstNightmar on 5/23/2010 12:25:11 AM

I'm not discrediting anything. I'm sure the game is great. I'm also sure it's not the epitome of advancement, progression, and cutting-edge forward-thinking in the industry. I'm not saying the game sucks because of this; I'm merely saying it shouldn't even be in the same ballpark as the games that define industry benchmarks.

Look, there's simply LESS to talk about in a game like Mario Galaxy. There's a lot LESS that can go wrong. Take Tetris, for instance. There's really nothing wrong with it. Not a damn thing. In that respect, a critic would have to give it a 10 because there aren't really any flaws.

In regards to Galaxy 2, we don't have a professional voiceover cast with all the right acting direction from the director. We don't need classical musical scores from the best orchestras assembled. We don't need an in-depth and rewarding storyline. We don't need engaging character development. We don't need any facets of any other gameplay elements besides platforming (in an world where genres are blending, adapting, and often innovating constantly).

No, we don't "need" any of that. ...at the same time, when all you're really scoring is basic control and game design, how hard is it to get a 10, really? In short, if we're not seeing the best of the best in any given category (Galaxy doesn't have the best graphics, best overall sound, best story, best cinematography, best artistry, best scripting, most depth, etc, etc, etc.), than how can we in good conscience compare it to the ACTUAL best that we've seen?

I've been thinking about this a lot ever since I saw that 10 from GameSpot. I'm sorry, but Wii games shouldn't even be on 10-point scales the way other games are. And for the record, I would love to have the time to play Galaxy and I'm SURE it's fun. That's not the point; not from a critical standpoint.

A game would have to be superior to other games in multiple major categories in order to warrant superior scores. "Oh, it's just fun" is not a solid basis for delivering a perfect score. I'm sorry, but that's the harsh truth.Last edited by Ben Dutka PSXE on 5/23/2010 1:13:13 AM

Here, let me sum up what I mean- look at all the many categories of awards in Game of the Year ceremonies for major sites, including ours. Now, at the end of the year, can you honestly say Mario Galaxy 2 would win ANY category? Would it even be nominated? It sounds odd to even ask, doesn't it?

So if that's the case, how can it possibly win Game of the Year? It would have to be magic...it's not the best in anything (not even remotely close) but overall, it IS the best...? See what I mean?Last edited by Ben Dutka PSXE on 5/23/2010 1:12:41 AM

Ben, all very good points as always, and I can definately agree with you in your logic. I apreciate you clarifieing your previously short comment. As I haven't played the game yet, I can't really rebut anything that you have said. All I can go by is what others in your profession have experienced by playing the game extensively.

Now, to infer that there is not much that can go wrong when making a Mario game, I guess if that were true, we would have 10 mario style games come out a year, and they would all get perfect 10's, because they are so easy to make/develop. I can't believe that to be true, but it would seem that you might believe that.

Where Mario has an advantage over all those other great games you believe to be superior, is that it seperates itself from those games. It couldn't be farther, or more different from those games. What do we know? Bowser is gonna capture the princess, Mario has to save her, and he has to go through a lot of Goomba's to save her. So how does Nintendo continue to amaze using the same old premise? No one gets graphically killed, no guns are used (unless you include getting shot out of a cannon...) This is not a rehash of 2007's game, this is a redo, with all new elements. It is just hours and hours of fun, challenging puzzles, colorful worlds, unique gameplay, and replayability that appeals to all age groups. No other game can match that, and for those reasons it would be up for overall game of the year, IMHO.

Would I pick to play Mario Galaxy 2 over all my PS3 games? Don't make me choose. I'm gonna play em all, and enjoy them all.Last edited by MyWorstNightmar on 5/23/2010 1:48:33 AM

The Marios typically do get 9+ without any problem. I think they all do.

But regardless of how long it takes them, my points stand. I grew up with Mario and I have no doubt these games are still great fun. I just don't believe we can score them on the same exact 10-point scale we use for the industry leaders.

I want a Wii, if mostly for the Nintendo brand games, you can't even go wrong. The next Zelda from initial reports sounds like it's heading in the wrong direction. "EASIER?" For who, grandma to play it?! (Ocarina of Time is one of my favorite games ever beat it in middle school.)

Expounding more on the oranges and apples, its more like which game has more mass enjoyment appeal which I believe makes up a great percentage on what makes a GotY. This puts previously unrecognized genres with the likes of Heavy Rain on a rather handicap (but its so gratifying that the community came to appreciate such a masterpiece). Enjoyment factor is what..wait for it....Modern Warfare the mass market success it has been. Sure we can rate games on measurable benchmarks on graphics, sounds, immersion etc, but in my opinion its mass enjoyment that racks in the GotY title. That being said, Ben makes very good points but like I mentioned, there are non-quantifiable factors that make a game GoyT (appeal may be indirectly connected to total revenue, but that is not 100% true in correlation).

The first Mario Galaxies is one of the greatest games I've ever played. The game was pure mastery of it's form and it offered many new, not mention clever elements of play that kept it consistently fresh and interesting. Without a doubt it was a legitimate contender for GotY when it released. Mario Galaxies 2 has every capacity to do so this year as well.

I think Shigeru Miyamoto pissed off the pantheon of video game gods and was given the power of brilliant game design--but with the curse that he could only make games for 8-year-olds for the rest of his life.

SMBG2 could very likely take the cake in game/level design, art direction, and controls, but I do see what you mean, Ben. PS3 to me is the happy medium between Wii and PC gaming. Wii is too low-end most of the time, and PC gaming tends to be too expensive, less convenient. And both seem to be sparse in terms of must-plays. So PS3 suits me quite well. 360 comes close at times, but frankly, it's more like a low-end pc, than an entirely unique platform.

At the same time, SMBG1/2 are the only reasons why I want a Wii. It IS magic. First-party magic. The same magic that I love Sony's platform for.

People are perfectly welcome to enjoy what they will. I have no doubt Super Mario Galaxy 2 is fantastic...but I will never place it in the same category as the MGS4s, Uncharted 2s, Heavy Rains or God of War IIIs. In good conscience, I really can't.

Massive amounts of agreement all over the place, RDR is definitely GTA in the old West, but while I'm thoroughly enjoying it I kind of wish there was a bit more of Red Dead Revolver in it than GTA.

SE has screwed themselves, they may still be rich but wow I've never seen anyone purposely alienate their fans in such a way. Their new IPs so far aren't burning up the charts anyway. They really need to send us a game that says they remember us.

I still have to finish 3DDotGameHeroes as well, but I also have Star Ocean 4 and now RDR going. Speaking of RDR here's a little gift:

I preordered from Amazon and my golden guns code came in the box, but today Amazon sent me another code. It should work, no reason why it wouldn't so first come first served, just punch it in, with the dashes, at the downloadable content screen on the title page:

The MP should have some lasting appeal. As for the free roam it should as well, as long as they keep implementing content. To me the free roam feels unfinished, theres stuff to do, but not at all what i thought would be there. Hearing about the free co-op pack coming soon is what leaves me thinking they are nto quite done with the free roam, which has huge potential and is already fun with friends!

Ben -
Sorry you feel that way! I was raised in a family that watched Westerns alot. Perhaps you weren't? The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly is pure classic western from that era!! And yeah, there was some cheese in them, but it was all good in my book!

MyWorstNightmare -
A good question. But right now, we play it together quite abit. I think the game will eventually run it's course though. I also believe it's very important that Rockstar keeps bringing in new Free Roam content. How about you, you enjoying it?

Pass on Versus or XV? For the first time in my life I am now going to have to do the research before purchasing FF games at anything less than used bargain bin because despite the high production values and decent stuff in XIII, it was probably the worst in the series for it's simplicity and pure lack of what should be there.

It actually takes skill to bet good! Something I wasn't expecting that much, at least not in the level that it actually takes to be good.

Beating the CPU is something, but this game will actually take real skill against other players!

Can't wait to get my hands on it. Love the character I created in the demo lol, will use him in the full game.

---

RDR is great, I can easily see how the game draws you in for hours :)

I think it's one of those great games I won't get for a while (maybe years). Not really into Western movies and all that stuff. And there are so many other games I still need to get, going all the way back to last year...

On FFVersus XIII, that's why I said I wanted to see FFXV already since I knew Versus wasn't going to be the true FF we've been waiting for.

It's not the first time, but every time he said something negative, I bear no ill feelings towards him.It's nice of him to give out his opinion on games he played.(But the problem is that he is saying as if it should be the fact instead of his own opinion)

And ______, I remember you said you liked Gun right?Well I'm glad I'm not the only one who liked it!!!Last edited by Snaaaake on 5/23/2010 9:45:03 AM

I've been really looking forward to MNR ever since last year's E3, and it's everything I hoped it would be. With a glowing review from __________, you just know you guys are in for a treat come Tuesday.

omg, do I hate retail stores right now. Not only did RDR still not arrive(won't be here till tuesday) but at the opening of a new game store(a game mania) I tried to buy 3d dotgame heroes, since I saw it sitting on the shelf and I had some old PS3 games at home to get like 20 bucks off the price, so I stood in line for a whole hour (those cashiers were slow as hell), and when it was finally my turn the dude at the register told me they didn't have it in stock -_- So that was a lot of time wasted I could've been playing RDR, cept I don't have it yet since em dam people won't deliver!!!one!!1

Seems i really must get RDR pronto. But i'm getting around to actually get FFXIII, I have decided i'm just going to call it XIII. As for Square-enix trying something new, sigh, I don't know. It's more of a wait and see kind of thing, my expectations have gotten lower as of late. Though still waiting to see more of Versus, I know it's no a true FF but FF-Dissidia was still fun.

I played quite a bit of Need For Speed Shift online this week. Pretty fun until you have 5 races in a row where people keep ramming you off the track. I'm also on the very last battle in Red Faction Guerrilla. Epic! Got Netflix on my PS3 this week as well. Streaming is absolutely awesome - 17,000 movies to choose from. Yippee!

I doubt you'd notice the difference if you played them both, the only graphical issue I see is the aliasing all over the place, but it doesn't bother me I'm enjoying the experience. Once you are immersed your criticisms disappear.

I just wanna say TO ME the only comparison ive made between RDR and GTA is the developer. It doesnt feel like GTA to me and some will disagree but it doesnt. I feel like there is so much more meaning to the game. Which leads me to say, If i had to put a number on it, id say at least %60 of the people who bought and played GTA4 didnt finish it let alone probably only played it to drive cars and kill people.

Every person on my friends list, except the few who only have a couple games is playing RDR and every one of them says they are immersed in it. Ive never gotten that with any GTA, GTA to me is just fun, but doesnt hold a lot of meaning, or content.

Comparing RDR to GTA is the obvious comparison because of R* but to be fair thats like a slap in the face to all the other great sand box games, because somehow this comparison makes GTA king of open world games... I dont like that, but thats how i feel.

RDR is a great game and in its own it does a ton of stuff different than GTA and puts a great amount of emphasis in the wild west in a great way. Its something completely new and fresh TO ME. Does any one else feel like RDR should be said its a great western and a great game, something we havnt gotten in the best of both worlds? Or is the only way to get people to like it or have interest is to say its like GTA?

Your are from Kansas City as well? Probably not, but up north Blockbuster still has a few copies, honestly though I bought RDR on day 1 because I knew I would put more time into it which means it wouldn't justify a rental. I can understand if you are trying to save some money. If anyone wants to posse up, I am MOGUNS82 let me know!

@ Snaaaaaaake,

I believe RDR is worth the full price on the PS3. It is to me.Last edited by BeezleDrop on 5/23/2010 12:44:28 PM